Information behavior and expectations of veterinary researchers and their requirements for academic library services

Abstract:

Increased pressure for quality research at South African universities, and limited research done on the information
needs of veterinary science researchers and the role of veterinary libraries supporting them,motivated a case
study at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria (South Africa). The study aimed to determine
what the information needs, information seeking behavior and information use behavior of veterinary researchers
are, and howthese needs are beingmet by the library. Quantitative and qualitative datawere collected
from researchers as well as information specialists by means of questionnaires, focus group interviews and a citation
analysis. Findings and recommendations are based on descriptive statistical analysis of the quantitative
data and thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The study found that the information needs of researchers
are influenced by the research environment and expectations for research output. Most needs for information
and support services aremet. Collection building practices, library space, and awareness of services offered by information
specialists need attention. Findings reveal considerable gaps between researchers' expectations from
information specialists and their own perceptions of roles to fulfil. The paper contributes to the limited literature
on the information behavior of veterinary researchers and library services supporting their needs.